Women in the Valley of the Kings

1. Women's Unseen Labor Shaped Egyptology's "Golden Age"

Women played central roles in many major finds in Egypt, but their stories are rarely mentioned (if at all).

Hidden contributions. The traditional narrative of Egyptology often focuses on the "great men" who made discoveries, but women were crucial to the field's development. They worked as artists, diarists, collectors, and administrators, often without recognition. For example, while men were excavating, women were recording, organizing, cataloging, and corresponding.

Beyond the field. Women's contributions extended beyond the excavation site. They founded institutions, built networks, and created the infrastructure that allowed the field to flourish. They were the reason that any of the "Great Men" of Egyptology were able to be "Great" at all.

Reclaiming the narrative. This book seeks to bring these women back into the spaces where they belong, highlighting their often-forgotten stories. It challenges the traditional narrative by showing how women's work was essential to the success of Egyptology.

2. Travel as a Catalyst for Women's Agency and Discovery

In those days, when it was almost unheard of for a woman to travel alone, these letters opened up the idea of travel to Egypt for more Europeans and Americans—especially women.

Breaking societal norms. Travel to Egypt, often for health reasons, provided women with a unique opportunity to escape the constraints of Victorian society. They experienced freedom, independence, and adventure that was rare for women at the time. For example, Lucie Duff Gordon's letters inspired countless women to travel to Egypt.

Personal transformation. Travel not only broadened their horizons but also led to personal growth and self-discovery. Women found new passions, developed new skills, and challenged their own limitations. Maggie Benson, for example, found a new purpose in life through her travels in Egypt.

Inspiration for others. The stories of these women, often published in travelogues, inspired other women to travel and pursue their own interests. They showed that women could be independent, adventurous, and capable of making significant contributions to the world.

3. The Power of Female Partnerships in Scientific Pursuits

Each of them, at the very least, had had intimate relationships with other women. Their devotion to each other lasted until their deaths.

Beyond companionship. Many women in Egyptology formed deep, lasting partnerships with other women, which provided emotional support, intellectual stimulation, and professional collaboration. These relationships were often essential for their success in a male-dominated field. For example, Amelia Edwards and Ellen Braysher, and Maggie Benson and Nettie Gourlay, were more successful and powerful together than they would have been apart.

Challenging heteronormativity. These partnerships often defied traditional gender roles and expectations, creating spaces for women to live and work on their own terms. They were not just companions, but also lovers, collaborators, and partners in life and work.

Productivity and support. These relationships allowed women to travel, excavate, and publish in ways that would have been impossible for them alone. They provided a safe space for women to be themselves and to pursue their passions.

4. Challenging the "Great Man" Narrative in Archaeology

The story of European Egyptology usually begins with Napoleon’s heroic entry into Egypt in 1798 with his scientific and military expedition.

Deconstructing the myth. The traditional narrative of Egyptology often centers on the exploits of "great men" like Napoleon, Belzoni, and Petrie, who are portrayed as heroic figures who conquered the ancient world. This narrative ignores the contributions of women and Egyptians.

Colonial context. The "great man" narrative is often intertwined with colonialism, portraying Western men as the sole discoverers and interpreters of ancient Egyptian history. This narrative perpetuates a power imbalance and erases the contributions of those who were colonized.

A more inclusive history. This book challenges the "great man" narrative by highlighting the contributions of women and Egyptians, showing that the history of Egyptology is far more complex and diverse than previously acknowledged. It also shows that the "Great Men" stood on the shoulders of women and Egyptians.

5. Institutional Building as a Form of Egyptological Work

Women were, in fact, the reason that any of the “Great Men” of Egyptology were able to be “Great” at all.

Beyond excavation. While men often focused on excavation and discovery, women played a crucial role in building the institutions that supported the field. They founded societies, established museums, and created educational programs. For example, Amelia Edwards founded the Egypt Exploration Fund, which became a cornerstone of British Egyptology.

Creating opportunities. Women's work in institutional building created opportunities for other women to enter the field. They established departments, created scholarships, and mentored younger generations of scholars.

Long-term impact. The institutions that women built have had a lasting impact on the field of Egyptology, shaping the way it is studied and practiced today. They were the reason that any of the "Great Men" of Egyptology were able to be "Great" at all.

6. The Complexities of Colonialism and Women's Roles

To be clear, the 130 or so years of European dominance in Egypt was a “Golden Age” for the Western study of Egyptology because neither the laws in place at the time nor the cultural norms put in place by the Western rulers stopped this looting behavior—in fact, the laws actually encouraged violence and oppression by allowing the men and women who came to Egypt to take what they wanted, with impunity, and reasonably expect to be safe and remain unmolested while doing it.

Colonizers and colonized. While women were often excluded from the dominant power structures of Egyptology, they were also part of the colonial system. They benefited from the power and privilege that came with being Westerners in a colonized country.

Ambiguous positions. Women's roles in colonialism were often complex and ambiguous. They were both colonizers and colonized, benefiting from the system while also being subject to its limitations.

Ethical considerations. This book acknowledges the problematic aspects of women's involvement in colonialism, urging readers to consider the ethical implications of their actions. It also highlights the importance of centering the stories of Egyptians who were also part of this history.

7. The Enduring Legacy of Women's Contributions

Contemporary understandings of ancient Egypt would be radically different without them. These women made history.

Transformative impact. The women in this book made significant contributions to the field of Egyptology, shaping our understanding of ancient Egypt in profound ways. Their work continues to influence scholars and inspire new generations of researchers.

Redefining Egyptology. By highlighting the work of women, this book redefines Egyptology as a discipline that is not just about excavation and discovery but also about preservation, interpretation, and education. It shows that Egyptology is, in fact, women's work.

A more inclusive future. By acknowledging the contributions of women and other marginalized groups, we can create a more inclusive and equitable future for the field of Egyptology. Their stories are essential for a more complete and accurate understanding of the past.

Last updated: February 3, 2025